Guwahati: Catholic Bishops Conference of India Meeting Held
News: Pinto Vamanjoor
Pics: Vincent Mascarenhas, Moodbidri
Guwahati, Feb 24: “The solution to our country’s problems lies with the youth,” said Cardinal Oswald Gracious, vice-president of CBCI.
He was delivering inaugural address at the Catholic Bishops Conference of India general body meeting held here, recently. He quoted the II Vat council saying we need to be more effective in spreading God’s kingdom. He said that 40% of Indian population is blow the age of 20. Our youth is the biggest asset and our greatest hope. Our county is making tremendous progress, in spite of economic melt down, he said.
Stressing on the need for ideology, he said only the youth can make the difference for they are generous, committed, impatient, ambitious, dedicated and dreamers. We want our liturgy to be vibrant and fully alive, by our youth. In our pastoral ministries and educational apostolate the youth must make a difference. Therefore it is very essential that we encourage our youth.
He also read the message of the president, Cardinal Varkey Vidhayathil in his absentia. The president stressed on the empowerment of tribals and dalits, especially in the North India and North East India. Indian church is becoming the church of middle class, it is high time we come out of our comfort zone and enter the territory of forsaken and lost ones. It is a matter of shame that such discrimination exists in our schools, churches and convents. The suffering Orissa Xtians, -Khandamal, the cry of the martyrs is a clarion call for us to reach out to our suffering brothers and sisters.
He said this meeting will strengthen the youth and will look after the aspirations and dreams of all the youth of India, whether they live in rural or urban area.
The inaugural function began with the warm welcome, Namaste by the youth of North East. This was followed by a prayer dance performed by 13 girls praising God for the natural beauty of North East and showering God’s blessings on the assembly.
The diya was lit by Cardinal Telespore, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, Archbishop Menamparampil SDB, Archbishop Bishop Stanislaus, Chibuike Onyeaghala Apostolic Nunciature, F Thomas Aquino Sequeira, deputy secretary of CBCI. The dignitaries were offered Assamese Gumosa and Assamese Jhapi with the thunderous clap followed by offering of Gumosa to all the archbishops, bishops and the secretaries.
The welcome address was delivered by Archbishop of Guwahti Menamparambil. He said Guwhati is a young diocese and apologized for the inconveniences caused because of the large number of people. He said Guwahati is a city of ancient lights and that it is a rare privilege to host this kind of august assembly.
He said that the meeting is for the young people of India and they should go inspired. He exclaimed like the Psalmist that the river Brahmaputra brings joy and God’s help comes from the mountains. He recalled the forgotten missionaries who work in the remotest place labouring for the development of the region in past and in the present times, despite ill health and difficulties. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi saying “When you make important decisions, keep in mind the least and the downtrodden”
Chibuike Onyeaghala, Apostolic Nunciature expressed his view on today’s youth. Today’s youth live in illusion and are interested in listening to popular music and hang around with their friends. Youth today are victims of neglect, abuse and senseless loss of love. They need to be helped by the ministers and pastors of the church to know the love of God. Make youth a weapon for bringing peace and harmony. We need youth for the inter- religious dialogues, which will lead to mutual understanding, he said.
Archbishop Stansilaus gave a comprehensive and exhaustive Biennial Report of the Catholic Conference of India for two years. He highlighted all the events that took place during these two years, read out the appointments of the new Bishops and also the Bishops who left for their eternal abode.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, vice-president CBCI read out the messages of Pope Benedict XVI, President of India, Cardinal Ivon Dias, Pontifical council of Laity, and Cardinal of Oriental Churches.
It has been made mandatory for all the bishops to attend the meeting. The CBCI decided youth as the theme for the year 2010.
After the messages were read out, Cardinal Telespore released the book on Gender policy. Sr Lily, secretary for women’s desk was also present. Fr Thomas Sequeira, deputy general secretary proposed the vote of thanks.